Pink biofilm colonization interfering with desalination treatments on old historic mineral surfaces

In this project, one factor directly associated to climate change, the increase of salt-crystallization cycles will be investigated. Salt weathering results from the combined action of salt transport and the in-pore crystallization under changing environmental conditions. The pressure force built up by the crystals on the pore surface is responsible for creating damage. Additionally, salt crystallizations mimic saline environments in buildings and offer an ecological niche for halophilic microorganisms, which contain carotenoids pigments that produce a rosy discoloration phenomenon. The aim of this study is to investigate to which extent the biodeterioration of stone and building materials is affected by salt crystallization cycles and how this factor affects microbial community successions, biological resilience and activity on stone materials.